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38 MTR September 2005 Deep Sea Systems International (DSSI) of Cataumet, Mass., recently delivered an advanced, zero visibility port security ROV vehicle. The contract awarded from the University of South Florida (USF) specified a port security ROV system for use in ship hull inspections including port and harbor sur- veys in absolute zero visibility conditions. DSSI was selected by USF to perform the vehicle design and manu- facturing services and to integrate an array of advanced sensors provided by USF. DSSI's Sea Max Mk-2 Port Security ROV System included a vehicle with the sensors and equipment required for precise maneuvering and accurate positioning using high resolution sonar and video imaging, enabling the vehicle to precisely bottom map and survey in real-time. The sensors installed on the vehicle are to enable it to handle the inspection of ship hulls, piers, harbors, ports, pipelines, and moorings in all visibility conditions including "black water." The system enables the piloting of the vehicle virtually as easy as when using traditional video systems in clear, open water. All the while being able to control the vehicle in the most tur- bid waters, with over 300 lbs of thrust. The vehicle car- ries an array of under water sonar systems, including a Didson sonar, Coda Echoscope (real time 3-D imaging), Ring Laser Gyro, an inertial navigation system, an acoustic Doppler navigation system, and a viewing system composed of four color TV cameras. It also has quartz halogen and HID lights, an image scaling system, and a heavy duty tilt unit with a precision angular position feedback sensor. In addition, the data processing and col- lection capability of the system will enable route surveys to be routinely performed by building a sonar database of the survey and object identification data as references for comparison with data from subsequent surveys enabling the operator to notice any changes or anomalies. Vehicle control and data acquisition is accomplished over a high speed multiple user Fiber Optic data link including an option for a wireless link to shore. The Sea Max Mk-2 vehicle is based on the larger, all- electric, highly maneuverable Omni Max vehicle current- ly in service. Propulsion is provided by six of DSSI's acoustically and electromagnetically quiet 2-hp TH-2100 thrusters mounted in an omni directional configuration for smooth, precise lateral and vertical control of vehicle motion. The company currently supplies both commer- cial and military applications including delivering sophis- ticated ROV systems, cameras, lights, thrusters and other highly advanced custom products. Visit www.maritimeequipment.com/mt & Click No. 38 Deep Sea Systems Wins Port Security Contract MTR#2 (33-48).qxd 8/30/2005 5:28 PM Page 38
